Caring for the future generations

As a member and leader of several conservation groups, including the Friends of Hunua Ranges and the Hunua Kokako recovery project, he’s had an irreplaceable role in unifying fellow nature lovers and raising funds for local projects.

Willow helped establish the Friends of Te Wairoa Catchment – a group of conservation enthusiasts who have come together to improve the wellbeing of the Wairoa river, supported by Franklin Local Board.

When asked why he makes caring for rivers such a priority, Van Heugten says that our future generations are always on his mind.

“Water and rivers are a source of life and we can’t pollute them anymore – we need to keep them clean for our children and our grandchildren. I’m positive that if we all come together, results will follow”.